What Kind of Light Are You?

A few years ago, the government required that fluorescent bulbs replace incandescent bulbs on store shelves. The goal: to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions.

But not everything about fluorescent lights is good. For example, they take much longer to reach full brightness, and they’ve been known to produce a flicker that causes eye strain and headaches. And certainly not least of all concerns, these lights contain toxic mercury that can harm our health and which requires a particular method be followed for proper disposal. And then there’s the less-than friendly ambiance they bring to a space. The cool, white, glare doesn’t always scream comfort like the immediate, warm, orange glow of an incandescent bulb.

If you were a bulb, which would you be? That might sound like a silly question, but the reason I ask is because the Bible has a lot to say about “light”. It’s used metaphorically, of course, to describe how and what our lives emanate into the world around us.

As Christians, we shine because Jesus Christ lives in and through us.

He came into the world to be the light that shined in the darkness of humanity’s sin and showed them the way out. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

And as Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Once we have this light – this understanding and experience of freedom and salvation through Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit – our lives are on mission to shine that truth wherever we go.

We follow Christ, and we live for Him and for His glory – He should be radiated to the world through us. Our lives should be conducted in such a way that we point people to Him. When choosing how to shine, that must be our main goal.

So I’ll ask again: What kind of “bulb” have you been lately? Could you think that you are shining as you should, yet you’re actually coming across a bit “cold” to those around you? Could you be using less energy than perhaps you could be to connect with people who are still living in the darkness? Are you maybe even a little “burnt out”? How could you start using more energy and emanate more of a warm glow that invites people into the arms of our gracious Lord who wants to save them and give them a new life?

Jesus said to His followers: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

The Apostle Paul instructed: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life...” (Philippians 2:14-16).

Take some time to spend in prayer and the Word today. Let God fill you anew with His light. Be the “bulb” He’s created and empowered you to be. Then go, shine for His glory and show people the way to salvation and eternal life!